NewbiesUp until a year ago, it had been a long time since I really had read any new picture books and I am so glad I started again. Here are some books on my list that are new(ish) that my 4th graders LOVED!

1. I Want My Hat Back by Jon KlassenI only became familiar with Jon Klassen's work over the last year and I think he is just brilliant. This book is simple and hilarious. The illustrations are just adorable. I also love This is Not My Hat and anything written or illustrated by Kalssen.

This book poking fun at how "plugged in" people are today with their electronic devices. The main character tries to get her family to pay attention to nature and ends up getting them to take a walk as a family. I love this book because it is just a great reminder to stop and pay attention.

3. Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal Poor exclamation mark feels that he is less important than the more prominent punctuation marks. In this book he learns that he is unique and important. My class loved it! I also love her "cutlery" books: Spoon and Chopsticks. 4. The Story of Fish and Snail by Deborah FreedmanThis is one of my recent favorites. Fish and Snail live in a book together. Every day adventurous Fish leaves their book to go on adventures in other books. Timid Snail is too scared to go with him. Their friendship is tested when they have an argument. I reviewed this book a few weeks ago here. I love it because it is about courage and trying new things. The illustrations are unique and the animals appear to literally come off the page.

5. One by Kathryn OtoshiI read this to my class last January when we were trying to read a picture book a day. It sends a powerful message about how sometimes it just takes one to make a big change. 6. The Dot by Peter Reynolds This is just a great book to use to show and discuss creativity. You can also participate in International Dot Day with your students. Everyone can make their mark.

Tried and TrueThese books have been favorites of mine for years.

7. The Giving Tree by Shel SilversteinSeriously, who doesn't love this book? I never get tired of reading it and I get teared up every time.

8. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro LeafThis book is absolutely one of my faves! I love how Ferdinand is not afraid to be himself instead of trying to be like all the other bulls. 9. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John SteptoeThis African Cinderella Tale is told and illustrated beautifully. It is a favorite because kindness always wins.

10. Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene MoselThis book has been a favorite since elementary school. As I have shared many times, I was not a reader until my mid twenties. However, this book was read to my class by our librarian and I loved it so much. I make sure to read it to my class every year.